Xiao Chen settled into his stance and began cultivating the soul art. Just as he delved deeper, a sudden surge erupted within his mind, sending shockwaves through his consciousness.
In the next instant, a voice echoed—one he thought he would never hear again.
[%$#@&, Recovering files… Optimizing system parameters. Loading complete. AI Assistant, at your service.]
[AI initiated...]
[Loading...]
[Ding! Detecting anomalies… Repair in progress: 10%… 30%… 60%… 90%… 100%. Ding! Optimization complete. Amending the Heavenly Soul Art…]
[Ding...Transferring the Art]
Xiao Chen's vision trembled, and before his eyes, a new version of the Heavenly Soul Art unfolded—one far superior, five times more refined than anything he could have imagined. He began practicing the enhanced art, feeling a surge of clarity and vigor. The world around him seemed to expand, and he could now perceive even the slightest movements within a one-kilometer radius and also enhancing his 5 senses.
He practiced till initial stage of art. After that, he went to Elder Le to collect herbs and best cores for Qi Pills, Foundation Establishment Pills, and Body Tempering Pills.
The creation of Body Tempering Pills like Ironbone Tempering Pill usually demands a beast core of at least the Profound level, such as that of an Earth Dragon or a Lightning Serpent. Furthermore, a suitable neutralizing agent is required to counterbalance the volatile elements contained within the core.
Once Xiao Chen had gathered all the necessary ingredients, he stepped into the alchemy chamber. With the assistance of his AI companion, controlling the refining process with utmost precision and managing the fire's intensity became significantly easier.
As a result, Xiao Chen successfully refined 20 medium-grade Qi Nourishing Pills, 20 low-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, and 25 medium-grade Ironbone Tempering Pill Body Tempering Pills.
Returning to Elder Le, Xiao Chen presented him with ten batches of each type of pill. The elder's eyes widened in shock at the sight of the medium-grade pills, as they were rarely produced with such success using inferior-level herbs. Astonished by Xiao Chen's skills, Elder Le urged him to take the alchemy examination at the nearest city - Celestial Jade City - to earn recognition for his talents and gave him enough gold coins to cover the expenses.
After getting the whereabouts of Celestial Jade City, Xiao Chen went to Celestial Jade City, a buzzing city with many merchants selling different types of items like herbs, ancient artifacts, alchemy recipes, blacksmith blueprints, materials, minerals, etc.
Xiao Chen showed interest in some items at the market but decided to head to the Alchemy School first. The school was a grand structure, and upon entering, he inquired about taking the 1-star examination. Seeing the young Xiao Chen, the person in charge looked doubtful, as most alchemists were older than 25. The youngest alchemist to ever earn a 1-star badge was 20 years old, as most young talents opted for apprenticeships. Believing Xiao Chen to be joking, the person in charge motioned for the guards to escort him out.
Before they could act, Xiao Chen calmly took out a pill he had refined earlier. A rich fragrance filled the air, immediately catching everyone's attention. The person in charge, now intrigued, examined the pill and realized that not only had it been made a while ago, but it was also a medium-grade pill crafted from low-grade herbs—a remarkable feat. His view of Xiao Chen shifted entirely, and he quickly offered an apology.
Clasping his hands respectfully, he said, "I am Fan Lin. May I ask for your name?"
"Xiao Chen, from the Mo Sect," Xiao Chen replied.
"Mo Sect... Mo Sect..." Fan Lin muttered, eyes widening slightly. "It's been a long time since they were the top sect in our kingdom. What a shame..." he trailed off, lost in thought.
He signaled his assistant to take him to the exam, Xiao Chen was offered a discount for the exam as an apology.
Xiao Chen took the exam, the content was to make a Vermilion Soul Pill, 5 batches of ingredients there mid-grade Vermilion Bird Feather Grass, Scarlet Flame Lotus, Essence of Fire Serpent Core, and Moonlight Dew.
First, he expertly ground the herbs into a fine powder, ensuring every particle was uniform to maximize their potency. The vibrant colors of the ingredients swirled together, creating a mesmerizing blend that sparked a fire of excitement within him. He measured the Essence of Fire Serpent Core with precision, knowing that this was the heart of the pill. As he stirred the mixture, he could feel the energy pulsing in rhythm with his own heartbeat.
After carefully shaping the mixture into pill-sized spheres, he placed them in the alchemical furnace, adjusting the flames to perfection. The heat enveloped the pills, coaxing out their essence and transforming them into something extraordinary. Each moment felt like an eternity as he monitored the process, ensuring that not a single detail was overlooked. Finally, as the furnace cooled, the air was filled with the rich fragrance of success.
He made four perfect-grade Vermilion Soul Pill
"Congratulations Xiao Chen, You are now officially a 1-star alchemy prodigy and the youngest one as I know. Now you're eligible to get discount alchemy-related materials from us or our affiliate stores" Fan Lin exclaimed, a broad smile breaking across his face and handover 1 - a star alchemy badge.
Each alchemist's star ranking corresponds to their grade of theoretical and practical expertise in pill recipes and refining techniques.
"Thanks, Can I take a look at the alchemy library " asked Xiao Chen
"Yes, You are free to browse," said Fan Lin
Xiao Chen began to swiftly flip through, his fingers gliding over each book as he absorbed knowledge within. Others were looking at him strangely, their expressions a mix of intrigue and skepticism, as if they believed he had come to stir trouble rather than to learn.
Suddenly, a soft chime resonated in his mind.
[Ding… Sorting alchemy knowledge based on its ranking. A new folder, 'Alchemy,' has been created ]
[Ding.. saved to Knowledge Database]
Moments later, a notification echoed within him, courtesy of his AI companion
[Ding! Current knowledge of alchemy has been updated to a 3-star alchemy rank.]
[Ding! Transferring 3-star alchemy Knowledge ]
The AI transferred the necessary knowledge according to Xiao Chen's thoughts. He could also view any modifications made, along with previous versions, when needed.
Suddenly, a surge of information related to 3-star alchemy flooded Xiao Chen's mind. It felt as though he had absorbed all the knowledge of a 3-star alchemist in an instant.
However, Xiao Chen knew this was purely theoretical. Without practical application, he wouldn't gain the true insight and mastery of a 3-star alchemist.
Xiao Chen returned to Fan Li and boldly requested the 2-star examination. Fan Li, struck dumb by Xiao Chen's question, stared at him as if he were the most peculiar individual he had ever encountered. He then allowed him to do the next exam, Despite his reservations, he permitted Xiao Chen to proceed, believing that Xiao Chen made this poor decision due to his age and pride spurred by his early success, would best be tempered by reality. Thus, he allowed him to continue.
However, after successfully completing the 2-star examination, Xiao Chen met Fan Li, who was left speechless. In his entire career, Fan Li had never encountered anyone like Xiao Chen, who had taken the exam on a whim and succeeded.
"Congratulations once again! Here is your 2-star alchemy badge. Just so you know, this branch can only support up to 3-star examinations. For any rank above that, you will need to travel to the capital," Fan Li said hurriedly before quickly leaving, fearing that this young man might request the 3-star test next.
After buying some mid-grade herbs, he went outside and walked leisurely in buzzling markets, when passing through an old artifacts peddler, he got interested in an alchemy cauldron with a dragon sculpted on the sides.
Noticing Xiao Chen's interest in his wares, the peddler spoke, "Young master, this cauldron is known as the Dragon Kin Cauldron, a low-grade treasure. It has been our family heirloom for generations. Alas, I have sinned against my ancestors, but I must provide for my family. Otherwise, I would never part with this cauldron. It only cost 2000 gold coins"
"No more than 500 gold coins, that's my final offer," Xiao Chen declared firmly.
"Great Master, please have mercy on this poor soul! How could I part with it at such a price? I'll lower it by 500 coins, but would you not consider taking it for 1,500?" the peddler pleaded, desperation seeping into his voice.
The two went back and forth, negotiating fiercely, until finally—
"Very well, I'll take the cauldron and that jade box together for 1,000 gold coins. This is my last offer. Take it, or I'll be on my way."
The peddler sighed dramatically, feigning defeat. "Fine, fine… Though it's a great loss for me, I'll accept."
But once Xiao Chen's figure disappeared into the crowd, a wicked smile crept onto the peddler's lips. "Hehe, another fool! That cauldron? Just a piece of trash discarded by the alchemy school! And that jade box? Worthless—no one's ever been able to open it. Another fat sheep swindled!"
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen, too, wore a satisfied smile. That peddler had no idea what he'd just sold off. The cauldron, despite its battered appearance, was a Transcendental grade 8 treasure crafted using ancient techniques that were long lost. His AI companion had confirmed it.
Ever since Xiao Chen had cultivated the Heavenly Soul Art (Imitation) to the intermediate stage, the AI had gained the ability to scan the surrounding area, serving as a peerless appraiser at his side. The moment they'd stopped by that unassuming stall, the AI had detected something extraordinary. Not only did it reveal the true value of the cauldron, but it also identified the jade box's hidden potential. Its secret lock mechanism was so intricate that even the AI couldn't peer inside it, leaving Xiao Chen eager to unravel the mystery within.
Happy with gains went back to the sect, and fought some thugs along the way.
Setting the cauldron aside, he turned his attention to the jade box. There were eight holes on its surface. Using AI to scan, a notification sounded:
[Ding… Qi Lock detected. Please channel your Qi energy in the specified sequence.]
The AI then projected guideline markers onto the box for Xiao Chen to follow.
Upon following the instructions, Xiao Chen heard a soft click emanate from the box. His eyes gleamed as it revealed a glistening Spatial Ring nestled within—nothing else, yet brimming with potential. With a focused breath, he infused it with his spiritual imprint, binding it to his essence.
"A Pinnacle Grade 6 Spatial Ring…" he murmured, eyes widening as he delved into its contents.